A qualitative assessment of knowledge and practice towards hepatitis B infection among healthcare workers / Mariyam Sadha

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is a Viral infection that attacks the liver and cause both acute and chronic disease. According to WHO data, an estimated 257 million people are living with hepatitis B injection. Hepatitis B infection is caused by the virus hepatitis B and can be transmitted easily from One infected individual to another by blood to blood contact, mother to child, through mucosal exposure to infected blood and various body fluids, In this regard health care workers (HCWs) have a high risk of getting injected. Hepatitis B infection are common among the Hen, due inadequate sterilization technique of instruments or due to the improper hospital waste management as 10% to 20% of healthcare waste is considered hazardous' and it may create various health risk. HBV is also commonly transmitted by a prick with infected or contaminated needles and syringes in the skin or through accidental inoculation of low quantities of blood during surgical and dental procedures. Among HCWs, most of the hospital attendants working in wards' and laboratories comes from a low educational background, hence their knowledge and awareness on diseases and biohazards are comparatively to than that of other professional HCWs. Hospital attendants are exposed to various infections materials as they' come close contact with patients, patient's samples and biohazardous waste during their line of duty. Knowledge regarding the hepatitis B infection and practice of the safety precautions is needed to prevent hepatitis B transmission among all HCWs.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge on hepatitis B injection and transmission among HCWs and to assess the practice on safety precautions used towards HBV prevention among HCWs

Methods: This Qualitative multiple case study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of HCWs (hospital attendants) was undertaken amongst 8 hospital attendants' working in the biggest hospital. Knowledge and practice on hepatitis B assessed through descriptive interviews using an interview guide.

Results: Findings from this study in the assessment of knowledge among attendants (HCWs) revealed that there is relatively lack of Knowledge on hepatitis B injection. Vaccination, Anti HBs and also there was lack of awareness on the procedure to follow during needle stick injuries. Practice on safety precautions to prevent from Hepatitis B infection was found satisfactory, while practice on hand hygiene and waste management was poor.

Conclusion: Study concludes that there is lack of knowledge and awareness among the HCWs (hospital attendants) on Hepatitis B infection, vaccination and anti-HBs. mainly due to their low educational background. Hence, regular Knowledge and awareness sessions are recommended for the new and current hospital attendants and continuous' training should also be given for the improvement of their practices.